Barrick Mining, one of the biggest gold and copper companies in the world, runs the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali. This site has been a key part of Barrick’s success. It also helps Mali’s economy.
But now, Barrick has left this complex out of its 2025 output forecast. The reason? A big fight with the Malian government. A court hearing about this issue has also been delayed to June 16, 2025. This article looks at what’s happening, why it matters, and what could come next.
Court Hearing Delayed
The Bamako Commercial Court had a hearing planned for June 12, 2025. The Malian government asked to put the complex under temporary control. This would let them restart operations stopped since January 2025. But the court pushed the date to June 16, 2025.
No one knows why the delay happened. This leaves Barrick and its workers waiting longer. The hearing’s result could change who runs the complex. It might also affect Barrick’s future in Mali.
Why Barrick Changed Its Forecast
The trouble started two years ago. The Malian government made new mining rules. They want more money from companies like Barrick. Barrick didn’t agree. Things got worse in January 2025. The government stopped gold exports from the complex.
They also held Barrick workers and took three tons of gold. This forced Barrick to stop work at the site leadingto the cut of the complex from their 2025 plans.
Money and Work Problems
The Loulo-Gounkoto complex makes a lot of money for Barrick. In the first nine months of 2024, it brought in $949 million. Experts thought it would produce 250,000 ounces of gold in 2025. Now, that won’t happen.
Since January 2025, no gold has come from the site. Barrick spends $15 million a month to keep it ready. The seized gold is missing, too. This hurts Barrick’s profits and its work in Mali.
Talks With the Government
Barrick and the Malian government are still trying to fix things. The government let Barrick move 20% of its earnings to a bank outside Mali. Other foreign companies don’t get this deal. But there’s a big problem. Barrick wants future fights settled by international groups.
The government says no—use Mali’s courts. Barrick started an international case in December 2024. They also asked the World Bank for help in May 2025, but got turned down.
What This Means for Everyone
This fight isn’t just about one mine. Barrick’s stock is doing worse than other mining companies. Investors might lose trust. For Mali, it’s a risk too. The government is also changing deals with companies like B2Gold and Endeavour Mining.
If they push too hard, fewer companies might invest there. Mali’s mining sector could suffer. Barrick has put nearly $10 billion into Mali over 26 years. This clash tests that history.
